5 Hand Sanitizers Recalled Due to Unsafe Ethanol Levels: Experts Warn of Adverse Effects of Frequent Use

Health Canada has issued a recall for a few hand sanitizer brands because the alcohol in them is industrial grade and harmful for frequent use. Over the weekend, Health Canada posed an advisory explaining that industrial-grade ethanol in the products contains impurities that are not found in the type of ethanol that's usually used in hand sanitizers.

Frequent use of these products may result in dry skin, causing irritation or cracking, said the advisory. 'Since industrial-grade ethanol has not been approved for use in hand sanitizers in Canada, the Department has not reviewed it for safety or efficacy.' The hand sanitizers affected by the recall are Eltraderm Hand Sanitizer. Contract Packaging Distributions Inc. hand sanitizer, Gel 700 Hand Sanitizer from Nature's Own Cosmetic Company Inc., Sanilabs Hand Sanitizer, and Walker Emulsions Hand Sanitizer.

Health Canada advised the public to immediately stop using these hand sanitizers brands, safely dispose of them, or return them to stores for a refund.

Ethyl alcohol or ethanol is produced by hydrating ethylene and is a natural product of plant fermentation. Natural sources of alcohol are found in sugar, starch, yeasts, petrochemical, or fossil feedstock. It can readily dissolve in organic compounds and water, enabling it to be used in hand sanitizers, beauty products, and even paint, varnish, and fuel.

For personal products, the astringent cleans skin and is a preservative in lotions. As an effective microorganism killer, it is used as a sanitation replacement where soap and water are unavailable, making it a highly sought product during this pandemic.

Dangers of Dry Skin

Ethanol itself is not harmful at proper levels, but its ability to dry skin could lead to certain problems. When used on oily skin, it's evaporating nature chronically removes sebum.

Dry skin, which dangerous levels of industrial-grade ethanol increases, weakens the outer epidermal layer, leading to less protection to deeper layers of skin. This leads to inflammation and quickens the aging process of the skin.

Due to a large amount of product recall, Health Canada is intervening companies to expedite production and access to safe hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and personal protective equipment. They have also released an updated list of approved products as well as information on quality requirements to ensure safety.

Government Standards

In 2007, the European Industrial Ethanol Association (IEA) released a statement regarding the importance of labeling ethanol products properly, addressing the loophole which can damage the entire industry. They warned that 'some companies are legally exploiting a loophole to import ethanol blended with other chemicals and therefore claim that the finished product is not ethanol.'

Ian Kersey, IEA's chairman said that 'this lack of coherence in EU policy-making not only threatens the European ethanol sector but makes a mockery of EU energy, health, and development policies.' This is not just addressing safe levels of ethanol in hand sanitizer, but the threat of companies selling fake spirits for consumption.

The Canadian government continues to remind citizens that hand sanitizer is just a means to reduce infection or spreading of germs but does not actually kill the coronavirus. Other proper hygiene practices are being encouraged such as regular hand washing, avoiding frequent contact with eyes, nose, or mouth with unclean hands, as well as proper sanitation after coughing or sneezing.

Health Canada also made an explicit reminding to 'never attempt to make hand sanitizer at home using alcohol intended by consumption, witch hazel or essential oils.' This only results in unsafe and ineffective products.